9 out of 10 dog owners are feeding their dog the wrong food
Take the free nutrition check and find out which food is best for your dog!
Shelter manager, certified canine nutritionist, and lifelong dog lover
• Ingredient Quality Excellence: Viva Raw delivers human-grade USDA-inspected meat and organic vegetables in recognizable chunks, offering exceptional transparency compared to processed kibble alternatives.
• Serious Safety Concerns: A 2024 Listeria recall and FDA inspection failures at their contract manufacturer raise significant red flags about quality control and manufacturing oversight.
• Strong Performance Results: Dogs consistently show improved coat shine, firmer stools, and increased palatability, with 95% positive user feedback across multiple review platforms.
• Premium Pricing Structure: At $5.75-$10 per pound, feeding costs range from $50-$250 monthly depending on dog size, positioning it competitively within the raw food category.
• Limited Suitability Range: Best suited for healthy adult dogs without immune system compromises, as raw food carries inherent bacterial risks that recent recalls have highlighted.
Viva Raw was born in 2021 when founders Jennifer Wu and Zach Ao decided they’d had enough of opaque ingredient lists and questionable manufacturing practices in the pet food industry. Their answer was human-grade raw dog food made with USDA-inspected meat, organic produce, and zero plant-based fillers like corn, soy, or legumes. The brand’s signature feature is its “chunked” format—actual visible pieces of chicken breast, duck, or rabbit alongside recognizable vegetables—which gives you a clear view of what’s going into your dog’s bowl.
Viva offers two main lines: Viva Complete, which meets AAFCO standards for balanced daily feeding, and Viva Pure, a prey-model formula (80% muscle, 10% organ, 10% bone) designed for dogs with severe allergies or as a supplement to home-prepared meals. Both are grain-free, single-protein recipes sold frozen in vacuum-sealed one-pound bricks and shipped nationwide via their website.
Viva positions itself as the transparent alternative to mainstream kibble and even other raw brands. The company emphasizes humanely raised, antibiotic-free meat and certified-organic fruits and vegetables sourced from farms that supply premium grocery stores. They’re vocal about what they don’t use—no rendered meat meals, no synthetic preservatives, no “natural flavors” hiding mystery ingredients.
In terms of market positioning, Viva sits in the premium raw segment, competing with brands like Primal, Stella & Chewy’s, and We Feed Raw. Pricing ranges from $5.75 to $10 per pound depending on the protein, which is on par with or slightly below some competitors but still far above kibble. The brand’s direct-to-consumer model keeps costs somewhat in check, though limited retail availability means you’ll need freezer space and advance planning.
Here’s where things get complicated. Viva Raw doesn’t manufacture its own food—it contracts production to Lewis Sausage Co., Inc. in North Carolina. In May 2024, that facility failed an FDA inspection for inadequate pathogen controls, insufficient hazard analysis, and lack of nutrient monitoring. Then in July 2024, Viva issued a voluntary recall for five turkey recipes contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall was communicated directly to consignees rather than through public FDA channels, which raised transparency concerns despite no reported illnesses.
To Viva’s credit, they’ve been upfront about the recall and their efforts to improve food safety protocols. But the combination of a failed inspection and a recall within months is a red flag you can’t ignore. If you’re considering Viva, you need to weigh their ingredient philosophy and transparency against the reality that their quality control relies entirely on a third-party manufacturer with recent compliance issues.
| Price per pound | $5.75 – $10.00 |
| Primary protein | Chicken, Turkey, Beef, Duck, Rabbit |
| By-products | None |
| AAFCO compliance | Yes (Complete line only) |
| Formula options | 2 product lines (Complete & Pure) |
| Availability | Direct-to-consumer online only |
One area where Viva Raw genuinely shines is ingredient quality and transparency. Let’s break down what’s actually in the bowl.
Every Viva Complete recipe is built around a single animal protein: chicken, turkey, beef, duck, or rabbit. You’re getting muscle meat, heart, liver, kidney (depending on the recipe), and finely ground bone—all USDA-inspected and human-grade. The meat isn’t rendered or processed into meal, which preserves moisture, amino acids, and palatability. Protein content on a dry matter basis ranges from 57% (rabbit) to 64% (beef and chicken), which is excellent for raw food and far above most kibble.
The Viva Pure line takes this even further: it’s 100% animal origin with no added vegetables, supplements, or vitamins. This makes it ideal for elimination diets, but it also means it’s not nutritionally complete on its own—you’ll need to add calcium, vitamins, and other nutrients if feeding it as a primary diet.
Viva Complete recipes include organic vegetables like carrots, broccoli, green beans, and cranberries, plus supplements like cod liver oil (omega-3s), flaxseed oil, green-lipped mussels (glucosamine and chondroitin for joints), probiotics, kelp (iodine), and vitamin E. These additions round out the nutritional profile and meet AAFCO standards for adult maintenance or growth (in the case of the puppy formula).
What’s notably absent: grains, potatoes, peas, lentils, corn, soy, and synthetic preservatives. The food is preserved solely by freezing, which is as clean as it gets but requires you to keep it frozen until use.
While Viva provides detailed ingredient lists, they don’t disclose specific farm or supplier names, and there’s no third-party traceability system in place. You know the chicken is “humanely raised” and the broccoli is “organic,” but you can’t trace it back to a specific farm. For a brand that markets itself on transparency, this is a gap.
Additionally, the reliance on a contract manufacturer means Viva doesn’t control production directly. The recent FDA inspection failure at Lewis Sausage suggests that what looks good on paper doesn’t always translate to consistent, safe execution in the facility.
Here’s how Viva Complete formulas stack up on a dry matter basis:
Caloric density ranges from about 1,600 to 2,100 kcal/kg, depending on the recipe. For a 30-pound adult dog needing roughly 700 calories per day, you’d feed about 0.3 to 0.4 pounds of food daily, which translates to roughly $1.70 to $3.00 per day depending on the protein.
Viva Complete recipes are formulated to meet AAFCO standards for adult maintenance, and the puppy formula meets growth requirements. However, the FDA’s 2024 inspection raised questions about whether the manufacturer was adequately verifying nutrient levels and testing for deficiencies or toxicities. Viva claims compliance, but without published feeding trial results or independent lab testing, you’re taking their word for it.
The Viva Pure line is not AAFCO-complete. It’s a supplemental food only, and Viva is transparent about this. If you’re feeding Pure as a primary diet, you’ll need to add a canine vitamin/mineral supplement or rotate it with Complete recipes.
Viva adds cod liver oil and flaxseed oil for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support skin, coat, and cognitive function. Green-lipped mussels provide natural glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, which is a nice touch for active or aging dogs. However, specific omega-3/6 ratios and absolute amounts aren’t disclosed, so you can’t compare them directly to competitors.
Viva Raw works well for adult dogs with normal activity levels who thrive on high-protein, high-fat diets. The chunked format is particularly good for dogs who enjoy chewing and benefit from the mental stimulation of handling recognizable pieces of food. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or chronic loose stools on kibble, the simplicity and digestibility of raw food often helps—many owners report firmer, smaller stools within a few weeks.
The Viva Pure line is ideal for dogs with severe food allergies or intolerances. If your dog reacts to common proteins like chicken or beef, the rabbit or duck Pure formulas offer a clean slate with zero plant ingredients or supplements that could trigger sensitivities. Just remember you’ll need to balance it yourself or use it as a rotation/topper.
The puppy formula (Beef & Turkey for Puppies) is formulated for growth and suitable for pregnant or nursing mothers. It has higher calcium and appropriate fat levels for development, though you’ll want to confirm portions with your vet to avoid overfeeding.
Viva Raw isn’t a great fit for dogs with compromised immune systems—think puppies under eight weeks, senior dogs with chronic illness, or dogs on immunosuppressive medications. Raw food carries inherent bacterial risks (Salmonella, Listeria), and Viva’s recent recall underscores that even “clean” raw isn’t risk-free. If your dog or anyone in your household is immunocompromised, talk to your vet before feeding raw.
It’s also not ideal for budget-conscious owners. At $5.75 to $10 per pound, feeding a 60-pound dog exclusively on Viva can run $150 to $250+ per month, which is several times the cost of quality kibble. If price is a primary concern, a mixed-feeding approach (raw plus kibble) or a less expensive fresh food like The Farmer’s Dog might make more sense.
Finally, if you’re looking for breed-specific, senior-only, or prescription diets, Viva doesn’t offer them. The line is intentionally simple and focused, which is both a strength and a limitation.
One of Viva’s biggest selling points is palatability. In user reviews and my own observations, dogs tend to love this food. The chunked format and fresh smell make it more appealing than processed kibble, and the single-protein recipes reduce the risk of flavor fatigue or ingredient conflicts.
Viva offers five proteins across both lines: chicken, turkey, beef, duck, and rabbit. Chicken and beef are the most popular and widely available, while duck and rabbit are premium options for picky eaters or dogs with allergies. In reviews, chicken and turkey get the highest marks for acceptance, while rabbit is noted as highly digestible but occasionally refused by dogs who prefer fattier proteins.
The chunked vs. ground format is available for most proteins (except rabbit and puppy). Some dogs prefer the texture and chewing experience of chunks, while others do better with ground. If your dog is new to raw, starting with ground can ease the transition.
Feeding Viva is convenient but requires planning. The one-pound vacuum-sealed bricks thaw in the fridge overnight or in cool water within an hour. Portioning is straightforward—Viva provides feeding guidelines by weight and activity level—and the food doesn’t crumble or make a mess like some kibble. The main hassle is freezer space; a month’s supply for a medium dog can take up a decent chunk of your freezer.
One practical note: the food smells like real meat, which is great for dogs but can be off-putting if you’re sensitive to raw meat smells. It’s not unpleasant, just very… meaty.
Let’s talk numbers. Viva Complete recipes range from $5.75/lb (chicken, turkey) to $10/lb (rabbit). For a 30-pound dog eating 0.3 pounds per day, that’s roughly $1.70 to $3.00 daily, or $50 to $90 per month. For a 60-pound dog needing 0.6 pounds daily, you’re looking at $100 to $180 per month.
Compare that to quality kibble like Blue Buffalo or Wellness CORE, which typically costs $0.70 to $1.20 per day for a 30-pound dog, and it’s clear Viva is a premium investment. But stack it against competitors like Primal Raw or Stella & Chewy’s, and Viva is competitively priced—sometimes even slightly lower for comparable proteins.
You’re paying for human-grade meat, organic vegetables, and minimal processing. If those priorities align with your values and you see real health improvements—better coat, firmer stools, more energy—then the cost can feel justified. Many owners report that their dogs eat less volume on raw food because it’s more nutrient-dense, which helps offset the per-pound price.
That said, the recent recall and FDA inspection failures complicate the value equation. You’re paying premium prices for a product made at a facility that recently failed safety standards. For some, that’s a dealbreaker. For others, Viva’s transparency about the recall and ongoing improvements earn them a second chance.
If you want to try Viva without breaking the bank, start with the chicken or turkey Complete formulas at $5.75/lb. These are the most affordable, widely available, and well-reviewed. You can also mix Viva with kibble to stretch your dollar—feed raw for one meal and kibble for another, or use Viva as a topper.
For dogs with allergies, the rabbit or duck Pure formulas are expensive ($9.50 to $10/lb) but can be worth it if they eliminate chronic issues like itching or ear infections that would otherwise require vet visits and medication.
Viva Raw does not own or operate its own manufacturing facilities. Production is contracted to Lewis Sausage Co., Inc. in North Carolina, a USDA-inspected facility that also produces raw pet food for other brands. This is a common arrangement in the pet food industry, but it means Viva has limited direct control over day-to-day operations.
In May 2024, the FDA conducted an inspection at Lewis Sausage and issued a Form 483 citing multiple violations, including inadequate pathogen monitoring, incomplete hazard analysis, and insufficient controls for nutrient deficiencies or toxicities. Two months later, Viva issued a voluntary recall for Listeria contamination in turkey and duck recipes.
To Viva’s credit, they communicated the recall quickly to customers and emphasized their commitment to improving food safety. But the timing—a failed inspection followed by a contamination event—suggests systemic issues at the manufacturing level that Viva hasn’t fully addressed.
Viva provides detailed ingredient lists and feeding guidelines on their website and packaging, including batch and lot codes for traceability. However, they don’t publish third-party lab testing results, HACCP certification, or ISO food safety documentation. For a brand that markets itself on transparency, this is a gap.
The “USDA-inspected” label on their website refers to the facility, not the finished product, and USDA inspection for pet food is less rigorous than for human food. There’s no evidence of independent, ongoing testing for pathogens or nutrient levels beyond what the manufacturer performs.
Viva claims to source humanely raised, antibiotic-free meat and certified-organic produce from farms that supply premium grocery stores. While this sounds good, there’s no third-party verification or farm-level traceability. You’re taking the company’s word for it, which is fine for some but not enough for others who want verifiable ethical sourcing.
Raw dog food has a higher environmental footprint than kibble due to the energy required for freezing, cold-chain shipping, and packaging. Viva’s vacuum-sealed plastic pouches are not compostable or recyclable in most areas, and the insulated shipping boxes with dry ice add to the waste stream. The company hasn’t published any sustainability goals, carbon offset programs, or packaging innovations to address this.
As a small, independently owned company, Viva doesn’t have the scale or resources for formal CSR reporting or third-party sustainability audits. Their focus is clearly on product quality and transparency, but environmental and social responsibility seem to be lower priorities.
I work at a dog shelter, where we have the opportunity to test different foods with dogs who come through our doors. For this review, I tried Viva Raw with a dog named Baxter, a five-year-old mixed-breed (likely Lab and Shepherd) who’d been surrendered after his owner moved into assisted living. Baxter didn’t have any major health issues, but he’d been on a grocery-store kibble for years and had a slightly dull coat, occasional soft stools, and a tendency to pick at his food rather than eat with enthusiasm.
When I first opened a pack of Viva Complete Beef, Baxter’s nose went straight to the bowl. The smell is unmistakably meaty—like opening a package of ground beef from the butcher—and he was immediately interested. I started with a slow transition, mixing about 25% Viva with his old kibble for the first few days, then gradually increasing the ratio over ten days.
Baxter took to the food right away. By day three, he was eating his meals faster and licking the bowl clean, which was a noticeable change from his usual habit of leaving a few bites behind. The chunked format seemed to engage him more than kibble—he’d chew the pieces rather than just swallow them whole, which I think made mealtime more satisfying for him.
After about two weeks, I noticed his coat starting to look shinier and feel softer. It wasn’t a dramatic transformation, but it was definitely an improvement. His stools also became firmer and smaller, which made cleanup easier and suggested better digestion. Energy-wise, Baxter seemed a bit more engaged during play sessions, though he was already a pretty laid-back dog, so it wasn’t a night-and-day difference.
From a practical standpoint, feeding Viva was easy. I’d pull a brick from the freezer the night before and let it thaw in the fridge. Portioning was simple—just cut or break off the amount needed—and there was no mess or odor beyond the natural meat smell. Baxter never refused a meal, and I didn’t see any signs of digestive upset once we completed the transition.
Honestly, Baxter’s experience was about what I expected: a solid, positive response without anything particularly dramatic. He liked the food, his coat and stools improved modestly, and he seemed content. It’s the kind of steady improvement that makes raw food appealing for many dogs, even if it’s not a miracle cure.
Across expert review sites and user testimonials, Viva Raw receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with an estimated 95% positive sentiment. DogFoodAdvisor gives it a perfect 5/5 rating, and user reviews on Viva’s own site and third-party platforms consistently praise ingredient quality, palatability, and health improvements.
Negative reviews are rare (around 2%), but when they appear, they focus on:
Viva’s customer service gets high marks, with about 90% of negative reviews receiving prompt, helpful responses. The company offers refunds or replacements for dogs who refuse the food or for delivery issues, and many owners appreciate the guidance provided during the transition period.
Comparing Viva Raw to Greenies is a bit like comparing apples to dental chews—they’re fundamentally different products. Greenies is best known for its dental treats designed to reduce plaque and tartar, though they also offer a smaller line of dental-focused dry food. Viva, on the other hand, is a raw food brand focused on high-protein, minimally processed nutrition. Still, both target health-conscious dog owners, so let’s look at how they stack up.
Viva wins hands-down on ingredient transparency and quality. You’re getting human-grade meat, organic vegetables, and zero fillers. Greenies, by contrast, uses wheat protein, rice, potato starch, and added meat in its formulas, which are far more processed and less transparent. If you prioritize ingredient purity and minimal processing, Viva is the clear choice. But if your primary concern is dental health, Greenies’ clinical backing and vet recommendations give it an edge in that specific area.
Greenies treats run $5 to $10 per pound, which is comparable to Viva’s pricing, but they’re not a primary food source—they’re a supplement. Greenies dry food is less expensive than Viva on a per-pound basis but also lower in protein and overall nutritional density. If you’re looking for a complete diet, Viva offers better value for the quality. If you’re focused on dental care and are willing to supplement with another food, Greenies makes sense.
Greenies benefits from Mars, Inc.’s global manufacturing infrastructure and quality control systems, which have resulted in very few recalls in the past decade. Viva’s reliance on a contract manufacturer with recent FDA violations is a significant disadvantage here. If safety and consistency are your top priorities, Greenies has a stronger track record.
If you want a high-protein, minimally processed raw diet and are willing to manage the cost and freezer space, Viva is the better option—just be aware of the quality control concerns. If you’re primarily focused on dental health and prefer the convenience of shelf-stable products, Greenies is a safer, more established choice. You could also use both: feed Viva as the primary diet and offer Greenies treats for dental support. Not sure whether to choose Viva or Greenies? Read our other Greenies dog food review for a deeper dive into their formulas and dental benefits.
Viva Raw is best suited for healthy adult dogs with normal to high activity levels who thrive on high-protein, high-fat diets. It’s particularly well-matched for dogs with chronic digestive issues on kibble, such as loose stools, gas, or food sensitivities. The simplicity of single-protein, grain-free recipes often resolves these problems within a few weeks.
The Viva Pure line is ideal for dogs with severe food allergies or intolerances, especially if they react to common proteins like chicken or beef. The rabbit and duck formulas offer clean, novel protein sources with zero plant ingredients or supplements, making them excellent for elimination diets. Just remember these are supplemental only—you’ll need to add vitamins and minerals or rotate with Complete recipes.
For puppies, the Beef & Turkey for Puppies formula is formulated for growth and suitable for pregnant or nursing mothers. It provides higher calcium and appropriate fat levels for development, though you should confirm portions with your vet.
Viva is not recommended for dogs with compromised immune systems (very young puppies, seniors with chronic illness, or dogs on immunosuppressive drugs), as raw food carries bacterial risks. It’s also not ideal for budget-conscious owners or those without adequate freezer space. If you’re looking for breed-specific, senior-only, or prescription diets, Viva doesn’t offer them.
Viva Raw delivers on its core promise: human-grade, minimally processed raw food with visible, high-quality ingredients and strong palatability. The protein content is excellent, the single-protein recipes are ideal for dogs with sensitivities, and many owners see real improvements in coat quality, stool consistency, and energy levels. If your dog does well on raw food and you value ingredient transparency, Viva offers a solid option at a competitive price for the raw category.
But—and this is important—the recent recall and FDA inspection failures are red flags you can’t ignore. Viva doesn’t manufacture its own food, and their contract facility has demonstrated serious quality control weaknesses. The Listeria contamination and inadequate pathogen monitoring suggest systemic issues that haven’t been fully resolved. For a premium product, that’s a significant concern.
Would I buy this for my dog? If I had a healthy adult dog with no immune issues and I wanted to feed raw, I’d consider Viva—but I’d watch closely for any signs of digestive upset or illness, and I’d stay on top of recall notices. I’d also keep my expectations realistic: this is a good raw food, but it’s not flawless, and the safety track record makes me cautious.
Would I recommend it to a friend? It depends. If they’re committed to raw feeding, can afford the premium price, and are comfortable managing the recall risk, then yes—Viva offers quality ingredients and strong results for many dogs. But if they’re risk-averse, have a dog with a compromised immune system, or are looking for the safest possible option, I’d steer them toward a brand with a cleaner safety record or suggest a gently cooked fresh food like The Farmer’s Dog, which offers similar ingredient quality without the bacterial risks of raw.
Honestly, Viva Raw is a solid mid-tier raw food—better than many kibbles, competitive with other raw brands on ingredients and price, but held back by manufacturing concerns that are hard to overlook at this price point. If they can tighten up quality control and go a year or two without another recall, I’d feel more confident recommending them without reservations. For now, it’s a cautious “yes, but watch carefully.”
Viva Raw issued a voluntary recall in July 2024 for Listeria contamination in turkey and duck recipes, and their contract manufacturer failed an FDA inspection earlier that year. While no illnesses were reported and Viva has been transparent about addressing safety protocols, these are legitimate concerns. If you choose to feed Viva, monitor your dog closely for any signs of illness and stay updated on recall notices. Dogs with compromised immune systems should avoid raw food entirely.
Feeding costs range from $1.70 to $3.00 per day for a 30-pound dog, depending on the protein (chicken/turkey are cheapest at $5.75/lb, while rabbit costs $10/lb). For a 60-pound dog, expect $100 to $180 per month. This is significantly more expensive than quality kibble but competitive with other premium raw brands.
Viva Complete meets AAFCO standards for daily feeding and includes organic vegetables, supplements, and vitamins alongside the meat. Viva Pure is 100% animal-based (80% muscle, 10% organ, 10% bone) with no added nutrients—it’s designed for dogs with severe allergies or as a supplement, but it’s not nutritionally complete on its own.
Yes, but only the Beef & Turkey for Puppies formula, which is specifically formulated for growth with appropriate calcium and fat levels. The adult formulas are not suitable for puppies. However, puppies under 8 weeks should avoid raw food due to their developing immune systems and higher risk of bacterial infections.
Start with a gradual 7-10 day transition: mix 25% Viva with 75% current food for days 1-3, then 50/50 for days 4-6, then 75% Viva for days 7-9, and finally 100% Viva. Going too fast can cause digestive upset. The food thaws overnight in the fridge or within an hour in cool water.
The rabbit or duck Pure formulas are best for severe allergies since they contain only animal protein with no vegetables or supplements that could trigger reactions. These are novel proteins that most dogs haven’t been exposed to. However, remember that Pure formulas are not nutritionally complete and need supplementation.
Many owners report firmer, smaller stools and reduced digestive upset within 2-4 weeks of switching to Viva Raw. The simple, single-protein recipes and lack of fillers often help dogs with sensitive stomachs. However, raw food isn’t suitable for all dogs with digestive issues—consult your vet first.
Viva comes in one-pound vacuum-sealed bricks. For a 30-pound dog eating about 0.3 pounds daily, a month’s supply (roughly 10 pounds) takes up significant freezer space—think about the size of a large frozen turkey. You’ll need adequate freezer capacity and advance planning for deliveries.
That depends on your priorities and budget. You’re paying for human-grade meat, organic vegetables, and minimal processing—ingredients that are significantly higher quality than most kibble. Many owners see improvements in coat, energy, and digestion that justify the cost. However, at 3-4 times the price of quality kibble, it’s a significant investment that not every dog owner can sustain.
Yes, many owners use Viva as a topper or rotate it with kibble—for example, feeding raw for breakfast and kibble for dinner. This stretches your dollar while still providing some benefits of raw feeding. Just ensure you’re not overfeeding calories when combining foods, and maintain the gradual transition approach when switching between them.
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